Spectacular Singapore

We were on our way to Singapore for two days before flying on to Australia. So we decided to have a two day getaway there first, and I am glad we did.

As we had our passports stamped to exit, the beautiful Changi airport had us in total awe. We have seen great airports, but Changi is the jewel in the crown. As we walked towards exits, we were welcome by the most exotic orchids we had ever seen. Masses of them, everywhere in every conceivable colour and blooming in a riot.

The humidity hit us almost like a wall when we first went out of the air-conditioning, into the open. Wow! It is humid but then your body starts getting used to it and even though you sweat rivers at first, think positive, its helping you lose weight!

We booked into the heritage Goodwood Park Hotel on Scotts Road. Siuated close to the Far East Plaza Shopping Centre and a seven minute walk from Orchard MRT Station, its worth staying here as the facilities are as advertised. Numerous night life options are available and the Clarke and Boat Quay are just a 15-minute taxi ride away.

Don’t ever imagine that Singapore is cheap like Bangkok, but whatever you buy is good quality. We went to the Mustafa mall and Orchard road, which gave us the best value for our money. Everything is available under one roof at Mustafa so you can shop till you drop there.

Get yourselves a stout pair of walking shoes as Singapore is enjoyed best by walking around. That is where we took in the different cultures the city boasts of – Chinese, Indian and Malaysian. The three cultures melt seamlessly into one another yet are as individual as they should be.

If you are a foodie, this is the place to be! One can dribble over the huge variety on offer. Singapore is one of the world's great eating capitals and food is a national obsession with its residents. We sat out under the stars, with a few bottles of Tiger beer and dived into an enormous array of Asian dishes. It is a ‘I-must-do-it-in-Singapore’ experience that everyone must savour. Sambal stingray, char kway teow, oyster omelette, chicken rice, clay-pot seafood, fish head curry, beef rendang, just let your nose and taste buds take you to food heaven.

And adventure lovers, there are great adventure experiences include diving with sharks at Underwater World on Sentosa, mountain biking around Bukit Timah, leopard-spotting at Singapore Zoo's fantastic Night Safari, water skiing or wake boarding on the Kallang River, go-karting and rock climbing, the possibilities are endless.

We throughly enjoyed our tour with a difference by trishaw, exploring Singapore's Chinatown. To finish our evening , we enjoyed a Chinese dinner at a Chinatown restaurant.

Try and visit the Yong Galley, where the fine art of calligraphy is demonstrated by the Master Calligrapher, who will convert your name into auspicious Chinese characters on a red fan which is yours to bring home as a souvenir.

And if you are a nature lover, the Jurong Bird Park is home to an impressive 600 different species of bird, the largest of its kind in the world. This world-famous attraction is an absolute must for any visitor to Singapore. You can click the most amazing pictures with brightly coloured Macaws for posterity.
We utterly loved the park.

And besides the gum free side walks, the city does have a soul inspite of all the laws in place.